MDA warns of hazards of lighting giant Lag BaOmer fires
Hundreds of extra firefighters and paramedics deployed to deal with accidents as Israelis prepare to light the country up: Police determined to prevent cruel crimes against animals
Large numbers of celebrants are expected to attend public bonfires, and MDA is warning of the dangers involved lighting them. They have stressed the importance of adult supervision and urged that they be lit in a location clear of thorns and weeds and at a safe distance from buildings and installations.
Furthermore, they have cautioned against lighting fires under electric and telephone lines, in close proximity to trees, bushes, or gas stations. Additionally, while MDA has warned that planks should not be stacked too high and that fires should be encircled with rocks to prevent their spreading, a safe distance should also be kept between bonfires.
MDA has further recommended revelers to wear high shoes, long pants and appropriate shirts which protect the body from sparks and biting bugs that are attracted to the warmth and the light of the fire.
Any burn wounds sustained should be cooled down with lukewarm water; MDA should be contacted on emergency line 101 to administer first aid as instructed by telephone until paramedics can reach the scene. As the night concludes, participants are urged to ensure that the fires and coals are completely extinguished using sand or water.
Throughout the night, 700 firefighters and 120 volunteers and fire scouts will be on standby, 150 of whom will be in Mount Meron. Firefighter courses will also be temporarily postponed as trainees are sent to reinforce the firefighting presence for the duration of the celebration.
During the last few years, Lag BaOmer has turned from a gathering and celebration to a giant bonfire night where success is measured by the size of the flames. However, according to the Green Network, which has issued tips for a "greener fire," all damage can be lessened without compromising the fun.
First and foremost, instead of each school class lighting several separate fires, the organization recommends that just one is lit together for either each grade or the entire school. The bonfires should be lit far away from trees. Only used wood should be burned as opposed to cutting down trees or stealing planks. To reduce pollution levels, throwing plastic, bags or polystyrene into the fires, or any other material which emits gas should be avoided. Finally, the organization calls on the public to leave the areas in the same state in which they were found.
In an effort to counter criminal and cruel activities which have become associated with the festivities, the state attorney has instructed the head of police operations to increase law enforcement, while patrol police have been told to prevent the phenomenon of throwing kittens or puppies into the fires. According to the data cited by Irin Inbar-Eisinger, who is responsible for crimes against animals in the State Attorney's Office, last year more than 500 animal torture cases were opened. “The aims is to bring to the students’ attention that an assault against animals is not a prank,” she said, “but is a serious crime that can carry with it a prison sentence.”
Overall, participants can expect ideal conditions for the bonfires. Temperatures will be begin to cool toward the evening. Until Tuesday afternoon rains fell across Israel—uncommon in May—leaving behind spring-time cool temperatures that are not expected to last before warming up again.
